Robbie Birkner’s Blog

Though HEXONET has no plans to become a Registry Operator ourselves (see recent posting), as an experienced registrar, we have some interesting insights on the operator choices. For those planning on launching a new TLD, this post may be of keen interest.

How HEXONET Would Choose a Registry Operator for a new Top-Level-Domain:

HEXONET would choose a Registry Operator with a proven track record, who clearly has had success managing multiple TLDs. In respect to managing, this means more than 50,000 domains for any one registry. We highly recommend NOT choosing a Registry Operator who is doing this for the first time.

Preferably the Registry Operator would already have experience managing a gTLD (generic Top-Level-Domain) and already implemented many of ICANN’s procedural policies including processes like transactional redemption periods. Not a must-have but a nice-to-have.

Preferably the Registry Operator already has an existing distribution network (depending on the respective TLD and your business plan, this is NOT a MUST)

Choose a Registry Operator with a mature infrastructure so that you can push them on price (economies of scale). A new Registry Operator will have higher capital inputs to recoup and hence likely inflexible on pricing terms.

Choose a Registry Operator who can offer reliable and proven DNS Services. A solid DNS infrastructure is crucial. Make sure the DNS infrastructure is an Anycast solution with a minimum of 6 different DNS cluster installations (preferably 9 cluster locations).

The Registry Operator should have their own in-house registry software that they developed. Operators that purchased their software may not be able to support functional changes you want or may in fact prevent you from developing future services.

Ensure the Registry Operator is known to provide direct and personalized service. With hundreds of new TLDs, some registry operators may simply treat you like a number. Be sure the Registry Operator can accommodate and also time-line new development or registry feature requests for your TLD. Being proactive and having the Registry Operator detail how they will support you can save your TLD from being left in the dust.

The performance of the registry platform is critical for the success of a registry. Slower performing platforms can lead to slow domain searches and potentially even slower response times for more intensive registry transactions. Factor in load considerations also, since the more new TLDs a Registry Operator adds to its platform, the more additional TLDs will impact yours. A good rule of thumb is the 0.3 second mark. If the round trip times for commands take longer than this, be wary.

Choose a Registry Operator who is willing to back up their platform and services with a tight SLA (Service-Level-Agreement).

Lastly, even though price plays an important role, the cheapest option is likely not the best option. Think and plan ahead of the initial launch and proactively define the goals of the TLD for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years. Determine which Registry Operator has the best platform and team to help your TLD achieve its goals. Again, the cheapest solution may only come back to bite your in your backside.

HEXONET easily integrate with following Registry Operators for New TLDs Awarded to Them:

The above list are just a few and does not include all registry operators that will be offering registry services. HEXONET would be able to integrate with any registry. The above registries would simplify work on our end.

In the event, that you are interested in applying for a newTLD and you would like to get in touch with one of the above registries, please reach out to us and we would be more than happy to make an introduction. Applying for your own TLD is a big step with a lot of investment. If you are unsure of the technology, please feel free to contact us and we would happily give you a quote to provide technical guidance.